The feasibility of using infrared thermography to evaluate minor salivary gland function in euhydrated, dehydrated and rehydrated subjects

Background: Infrared thermography technique (IRT) is utilized by a growing number of disciplines within medicine and dentistry. However, IRT has not been employed in the evaluation of salivary gland dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using thermographic imaging in the evaluation of minor labial salivary gland function in subjects during euhydration, dehydration, and rehydration states. Methods: Ten subjects were studied. Upper labial minor salivary gland secretion was quantified whilst simultaneously visualizing lower minor salivary gland output thermographically during each state. Results: A significant difference was observed in the minor labial salivary flow among euhydrated, dehydrated and rehydrated, states. Despite the lack of statistical difference in the thermographic findings, IRT images reflected noticeable differences among the three hydration states. Conclusion: The overall results of this study suggest that IRT could potentially provide a valuable non-invasive tool for evaluating the relationship between minor labial salivary gland function and hydration status.